A short walk along the road to the Rough Creek track head.

Our route on day 1 follows the track up Rough Creek and over the tops before heading down and around the east branch of the Blue Grey River to Lake Christabel Hut.

A convenient log for crossing the creek.

It's starting to get snowy!

Lunch on a snowy mound just short of the saddle, looking back down Rough Creek and the Maruia River valley beyond.

Plugging deep steps in the soft snow near the saddle.

On the saddle, we discuss whether we can make Brass Monkey Biv in the current (soft, deep) snow conditions before dark.

We decide to head for Christabel Lake Hut instead.

Plug, plug, plug...

Decending to the east branch of the Blue Grey River.

Small creeks cascade into the river below.

A short break to look for hot pools (we can smell and see the evidence, but can't find any warm water).

Cozy and almost warm around the lovely heater in Lake Christabel Hut.

The view from Lake Christabel Hut in the morning.

Checking the map before departing Lake Christabel Hut.

Our route on day 2 leaves the track half way around Lake Christabel and heads over the tops to meet Rough Creek just before it ends at the road.

The bridge across the river.

Walking towards the start of Lake Christabel.

Easy and pretty tramping along Lake Christabel.

Lake Christabel with little wind on the surface.

Reflections on Lake Christabel.

Jeff route finding up the spur through thickets of bush lawyer vine.

The vegetation gets easier but snowier towards the top.

Toni plugs steps near the tree line.